Our Opinion: Thanks for the letters

Skimming the Your Views section of The State Journal-Register from the past year, it’s evident our readers have no shortage of opinions, nor do they lack a willingness to make their thoughts known.

Last January, Debora L. Evans of Springfield defended Bishop Thomas Paprocki, head of the Springfield Diocese, saying, “He is being unfairly attacked because he is shepherding his flock with God’s truth. He is not speaking for himself, but he is speaking from the word of God.”

In February, fifth-graders from Iles Elementary School encouraged religious and cultural tolerance. “If religious tolerance exists everywhere in this world, there would be no discrimination of others for belonging to a different faith and each of us can choose our own religion without interfering in others’ lives.”

In March, readers shared stories of “snow heroes” who offered helping hands after Springfield was pummeled with 18.5 inches of snow. Eric Broughton publicly thanked a stranger who pulled his car out of a ditch. “I hope to pay it forward as soon as I can. I’m glad someone was willing to help me out that morning. Thanks again, guy in a white truck!”

After the April election, Judy Lott of Springfield suggested the newspaper had been unfair in its coverage of former District 186 school board president Susan White. “Lest we forget, the members of the Springfield School Board are citizens who devote countless hours of time for the benefit of our children and education, with no remuneration.”

Don Chipman of Beardstown in May wrote that U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton was to blame for the U.S. government’s missteps in Benghazi. “Any way you cut it, she was not in charge or she was incompetent. You make the choice. I have her guilty on both counts.”

In June, frustrated by what he considered a lack of action and leadership at the Statehouse, John Peart of Springfield suggested Illinois become two states. “Downstate Illinois really has no input into the say of government because of the huge population of Cook County, which is, by the way, only one of 102 counties in the state. Let’s divorce these leaders and elect someone who will represent ‘We the People.’”

On July 4, Pam Watson of Chatham shared her thoughts about freedom. “While what I considered to be things representing freedom or independence may have been altered by time, age and events, what has never wavered for me is that I am profoundly fortunate to live in a nation where there is no doubt as to the fact I was free and independent upon birth and will be so when I die.”

In August, Bill Klein of Springfield urged the city of Springfield to spare sweet gum trees from the chain saw. “The city today should encourage the planting of more trees, not cutting down healthy trees. If only the problems of the city could be solved so easily today.”

David H. Hatton of Springfield in September urged the U.S. government to carefully consider its military response in Syria. “The more we get involved in the Middle East, the more the tragedy increases. Get out and stop blowing on the flames.”

The partial shutdown of the federal government in October prompted numerous letters. Bill McKenzie of Springfield wrote: “The Republicans are doing what all sore losers do, if they can’t find a way to legitimately win…they’ll kidnap the ball until you give them more unearned points.”

Dozens of state of Illinois employees and retirees wrote to The State Journal-Register throughout the fall expressing anger, frustration and confusion about changes to health care and pension benefits. Kurt R. DeWeese of Springfield suggested the pension reform lawmakers passed was unconstitutional: “It is a poor reward, a punishment, for dedicated public servants.”

As we close out 2013 and welcome 2014, The State Journal-Register thanks all who have taken the time to write letters to the editor and urge them to continue sharing their thoughts on the news of the day with us, with fellow readers and with the newsmakers and policymakers of the community.

And for those considering their first letter to the editor, remember to keep them at 250 words or less, and send them to letters@sj-r.com or to The State Journal-Register at P.O. Box 219, Springfield IL 62705-0219.